Ottawa Senators top 3 prospects to watch out for in 2024/25 season

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Aug 08, 2024 11:54 GMT

The Ottawa Senators have one the deepest prospect pools in the NHL as a result of hoarding draft picks and taking on young players in trades. Some young players have already graduated to the big club, with even more on the way.

The following list of Senators prospects highlights a new wave of players who can have an impact on the big team sooner rather than later.

Ottawa Senators top 3 prospects to watch out for in the 2024–25 season

#3. Stephen Halliday

Halliday was the Ottawa Senators’ fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft. Standing 6-foot-3, he’s a big forward but can manage opposing defenders well. After spending 2023–24 in the NCAA, he leaped to the AHL, playing 10 games with the Belleville Senators. His five assists showed promise of what he can do.

Halliday should get a better look this season. While a full season in the AHL is in the cards, the Sens will keep a close eye on Halliday’s development, as he projects as a solid defensive forward with some offensive upside.

He’s still a year or two away from the NHL but could get a good look at training camp this fall.

#2. Zack Ostapchuk

Ostapchuk was drafted in the second round of the 2021 draft. The 39th overall pick is another big-bodied forward with power-forward characteristics. As a left winger, he could slot into a middle-six role easily, providing control and a strong backhand.

Ostapchuk could get a callup this upcoming season after a solid 2023–24 season in Belleville. Ostapchuk scored 17 goals and 28 points in 69 games. That performance earned him a brief look with the Ottawa Senators.

This season, Ostapchuk could get an extended look in training camp but should start the season in the AHL. Don’t be surprised to see Ostapchuk get a callup, especially if injuries take their toll this season.

#1. Mads Sogaard

Sogaard was on track to become the Ottawa Senators goalie of the future. However, that situation changed with the trade for Linus Ullmark this offseason. Now, Sogard seems stuck in the depth chart behind Ullmark and Anton Forsberg.

While Sogaard has impressed at the AHL level, he’s failed to translate that into NHL success. Last season, Sogaard posted a 2.45 GAA and a .916 SV% in 32 AHL contests. However, he posted a 4.05 GAA and a .859 SV% with the big club.

These numbers don’t necessarily mean that Sogaard is not in the Senators’ plans. Sogaard may need more time to adjust to the pro game. Meanwhile, having Ullmark as the number-one goalie takes the pressure off Sogaard to develop quickly.

Down the road, Sogaard’s development might make Forsberg expandable, allowing the club to rely on Sogaard, especially if re-signing Ullmark becomes too expensive for the team.